Outer Banks Fishing Guide: Tips for Ocean & Sound Fishing

Outer Banks fishing tends to yield bountiful results! Plenty of Dolphin, Wahoo, and Yellowfin have been caught offshore on the Outer Banks. Inshore boats have reported cobia and Spanish and piers have reported Spot, Croaker, Sea Mullet, and Sand Perch. Sound fishing has also reported that Trout fish is catching great too! Needless to say, fishing on the OBX is on point this season!

As one of the East Coast’s most popular fishing destinations, fishermen make yearly pilgrimages to the Outer Banks, a mecca of sport fishing . So if you’re headed down to the OBX to cast your line, check out some of these tips to ensure yourself a memorable fishing experience!

Ocean Fishing

Surf and Pier Fishing

Surf and pier fishing on the Outer Banks begins in March and peak in May and again in November.

For those that enjoy Outer Banks fishing in the surf, there are innumerable options along more than 100 miles of coastline. Pier fishermen can enjoy several Outer Banks piers located from Kill Devil Hills to Hatteras. For surf fishing, be sure to obtain the proper permits from the NC Fish and Wildlife Service. You can purchase your license here and find out more information here.

Offshore Charter Fishing

The Outer Banks is often called “The Billfish Capital of the World”. Anglers from all across the globe come to the Outer Banks to set out in search of blue marlin, white marlin and sailfish. Many of those anglers heading to Oregon Inlet. Hundreds of magnificent billfish are caught and released each year starting in June and July with the peak season around August and September. Fish like tuna and dolphin (mahi) are other popular offshore catches caught throughout the summer and into the fall. Plus, freshly caught tuna and dolphin make for some seriously killer fish tacos. YUM!

Sound Fishing

Outer Banks fishing is at its best on the sound! The sound is a mix of freshwater and saltwater, making it a prime location for casting out your line. Local sounds including the Roanoke, Croatan, and Pamlico are where you can cast out a line. Speckled trout, red drum, flounder, spot, croaker, and striped bass are some of the many fish you may find yourself reeling in. Take a small boat out or charter a vessel with an experienced crew. You can even cast out a line on the “little bridge”; also known as the Melvin R Daniels Bridge. Looking for a bit of solitude? Even fly fishing is popular in the area!

What Fish Are in Season from Now Until Labor Day on the Outer Banks?

July:

Dolphin, wahoo, blue marlin, sailfish, white marlin, sea mullet, flounder, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, shrimp, crabs, soft crabs, spot, and croaker.

August:

Blue marlin, white marlin, sailfish, dolphin, wahoo, tuna, bluefish, flounder, Spanish mackerel, croaker, speckled trout, spot, shrimp, and crabs.

September:

White Marlin, blue marlin, sailfish, tuna, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, spot, bluefish, speckled trout, sea mullet, red drum, shrimp, and striped bass.

Regulations:

The following is a list of fishing regulations for the months of July, August, and September for some of the more popular fishes:

State Coastal Waters * (internal and 0-3 miles out); Exclusive Economic Zone EEZ (3-200 miles out)

Striped Bass: 28” minimum size, 2 per person/ day for Atlantic Ocean year-round.

Grouper: 20″ min. size, 3/ day (24″ for black and gag, 1/day)*; same for EEZ.
King Mackerel: 24″ min. size, 3/day*; same for EEZ.

Spanish Mackerel: 12″min. size, 15/day; same for EEZ.

Blue Marlin: 99″ min size, 1/vessel/trip either Blue or White Marlin; 99″ and state rules apply when landing for EEZ.

White Marlin: 66″ min size, 1/vessel/trip either Blue or White Marlin; 66” and state rules apply when landing for EEZ.

Mullet: no restrictions other than 200/day*; same for EEZ.

Speckled Trout: 14″ min. size, 4/day*; same for EEZ.

For a complete Marine Fisheries list, click here. Follow these fishing guidelines and helpful hints and explore the infinite possibilities of an Outer Banks fishing expedition.

An Outer Banks fishing trip is perfect for the avid angler. Plus, with homes located near fishing piers, on the oceanfront, and within short distance of marinas and charters, the fisherman in your crew is sure to find the house of their dreams! Book your stay with Resort Realty today and happy fishing!